Majority of Britons 'in favour of fracking'

Natural gas production from shale enjoys widespread backing across the country, with more than three times as many supporting production as opposing, according to a new survey.

Test site for fracking at Barton Moss, Manchester Credit: PA

The findings, which give a boost to controversial proposals for commercial fracking, come from a survey by Populus of 4,000 adults, commissioned by UK Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG), the trade association representing the UK's onshore oil and gas industry.

The study found that 57% of people support the production of natural gas from shale in the UK, compared with 16% who oppose and 27% who are undecided.